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Tablescapes that Tell a Story

Dec 13 / The IWED Blog

Themed Holiday Table Designs

The table isn’t just where you go to sit and eat. It’s where all of your loved ones gather to share stories. It’s also an opportunity to create a new one. If there are certain feelings you want to evoke or certain memories you want to bring forth, everything from candle holders to cutlery can help you achieve your desired result. The festive season is finally upon us. What better time to test out your tablescaping chops?

One of the reasons they call that stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year the most wonderful time of year is because it’s a near constant celebration of joy and togetherness, even in the face of adversity. While some bond over a board game or around the fire, nearly everyone partakes in festivities around the table at some point or other. This means it’s absolutely crucial, no matter what theme or vibe you settle on, that your guests feel neither overwhelmed nor uncomfortable. This doesn’t mean you can’t go maximalist, though.

We love a classic, pared back set up featuring champagne coups and silk runners, for instance, but some of our favorite tablescapes are downright cornucopias featuring a wide array of eclectic objects. Opt for quirky pieces like cabbage bowls and breadstick candles and flea market figurines if you’re more kitsch. If you prefer a more avant garde or retro aesthetic, geometric shapes and vibrant color palettes are it. Ikebana style flower arrangements, too. And if you’re ringing in the New Year, throw in some tinsel for good measure.

Perhaps you’re feeling more traditional, though. Whether celebrating Christmas or New Year, you can keep it more conventional without having to sacrifice style! We’re talking fluted tumblers and tartan galore. Pine cones and needles also, but any kind of greenery will work. Frame charger plates with eucalyptus leaves or pair candelabras with red anemones. You can even expand your fresh outdoor palette to include vegetables and fruit. Think persimmons or pomegranates scattered on crisp white linen in a freeform display or piled into tin or crystal bowls. 

They make for striking visual centerpieces while also adding a delectable pop of color. The look isn’t only affordable, it’s sustainable. You can even send your guests off with some of the bounty when the night is over.

What we love so much about tablescaping is how much room for play there is, whatever era or theme or vibe you’re trying to conjure. But if you’re at a loss for how to proceed, color is a great guide. Once you’ve decided on your palette, the sky’s the limit. Matte muted tones such as amber with gold accents are great for Thanksgiving, while reds and greens make for a classic Christmas pairing, but there are so many others to choose from. Half the fun is making your own! Then you can really channel what you’re looking for. If it’s a more bohemian and whimsical arrangement, try rope candles, glass goblets, and floral printed napkins. But if rustic is what you’re after, stick to woven serving trays, cutting boards, and stoneware bowls. Whatever the case, this holiday season, let your table tell the story you’ve always wanted to.